Superior Court Judge Mary Jacobson granted an emergency request by six same-sex couples and ordered state officials to begin performing gay marriages on Oct. 21. Jacobson said same-sex couples would be denied federal benefits if New Jersey kept allowing only civil unions.

The state is expected to appeal the decision.

Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican, last year vetoed a bill that would have legalized same-sex marriage in New Jersey. Gay rights advocates and state legislators have been working on gathering enough votes to override the veto.